Loup County cruises past Arcadia

October 13, 2011

TAYLOR--Loup County used a 24-point third quarter and a powerful defense to upend Arcadia 48-6, the final match-up between the two schools.
Loup County and Sargent are co-opting football teams starting next fall.
With the co-op, the two schools are ending a rivalry that dates back to 1978.
The defenses for both teams dominated the first quarter, but Loup County started to find their offensive groove in the second quarter.
Brandon Barker took the delayed handoff and scooted for a 43-yard touchdown run.
The Wildcats added the two-point conversion and led 8-0.
The Loup County defense flexed their muscles and forced Arcadia to punt after a three-and-out.
Loup County quarterback Tyler Barta hit Tyrel Hinton on a crossing route for a 47-yard touchdown pass.
The two-point conversion was good and Loup County led 16-0 going into half-time.
The Wildcat offense started to have their way in the third quarter. Barker raced down the sideline for a 65-yard touchdown run.
The Huskies, known for their big-play offense, finally got a big play. Matthew Quick found Johnathan Brock for a 36-yard touchdown pass to cut the lead to 32-6.
The Wildcats scored once more in the third quarter when Barker found a hole in the Husky defensive line and rushed for a 19-yard touchdown and put the game out of reach.
The Wildcats scored the only touchdown in the fourth when Terry Glidden scored on a 14-yard touchdown run.
Loup County Head Coach Wayne Ruppert was happy with the offensive output.
“I feel good that we have a variety of offensive weapons to use," Ruppert said. “We block well up front for the rushing game and we have good receivers and a good quarterback in the passing game."
Loup County shut down an Arcadia team that averages more than 30 points a contest.
Ruppert is pleased to see his defense shut down a prolific offense.
"Our defense has improved each week. It's hard to shut down a team in six-man football because of the nature of the game."
Ruppert is proud his seniors were able to beat Arcadia in the final contest between the two schools, and the annual contest with Arcadia will be missed.
"I am happy for the seniors on this team," Ruppert said. “They have persevered for four years and worked hard to get to this point," Ruppert said. “Arcadia has always been a healthy rivalry for Loup County and it will be missed."
Arcadia coach Todd Quick will miss the chance to play Loup County, too.
“It will definitely be different not playing them," Quick said. “We’ll miss the game."
With the win for Loup County, the Wildcats look poised to make a run in the playoffs but they need to continue working on getting better.
"We need to continue to improve defensively and work on consistency on offense," added Ruppert.
Loup County hosts Hyannis tonight and Arcadia hosts Elkhorn Valley tomorrow night.